Board composition, ownership structure and corporate social responsibility disclosure: the case of Jordan

Purpose This study aims to investigate the extent and nature of corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure in the context of Jordan. It also empirically examines the impact of board composition variables (size, independent non-executive directors, CEO/chairman duality, age and gender) and ownership structure variables (board ownership concentration, institutional ownership and foreign ownership) on CSR disclosure level. Design/methodology/approach A CSR disclosure index is constructed, and content analysis is used to analyze the extent and nature of CSR disclosure in the annual reports of Jordanian manufacturing companies listed on the Amman Stock Exchange (ASE) during the period (2013-2015). Regression analysis using panel data is undertaken to analyze the potential impact of board composition and ownership structure on CSR disclosure level. Findings The results reveal that, on average, a listed Jordanian manufacturing company has disclosed 30.8 per cent of the 42 items of CSR information included in the disclosure index. In addition, there was a very slight improvement in the CSR disclosure over the study period. These results suggest there is considerable room for improvement in CSR disclosure. The regression analysis identified board size to be significantly and positively associated with CSR disclosure level. On the other hand, the percentage of independent (non-executive) directors on the board, duality of CEO and chairman positions, director’s age, board ownership concentration and the percentage of shares outstanding held by institutional shareholders were found to have had a significant negative impact on CSR disclosure level. Originality/value The study contributes to the literature on CSR practice and disclosure in various ways. First, it demonstrates the extent to which listed companies in developing countries, such as Jordan, take their social role seriously. Second, the study adds to the existing literature on the potential impact of board composition and ownership structure on CSR disclosure by using new variables that have not been tested before using Jordanian data. Third, the study is anticipated to provide feedback to Jordanian regulators in the Jordan Securities Commission and the ASE on the adequacy of current regulations on corporate disclosure requirements in Jordan. Finally, the study raises some issues of interest to other researchers who are currently or intend to conduct research in this area.